The revision to Part L of the Building Regulations Conservation of fuel and power which came into force in April 2002, not onl

The revision to Part L of the Building Regulations Conservation of fuel and power which came into force in April 2002, introduced the following:

Decrease in U-values (increase insulation thickness)
No significant thermal bridges or gaps in insulation
Buildings should be reasonably airtight

For metal roofing and cladding systems Part L2 of the regulations refer to the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) Technical Note 14: Guidance for the design of metal cladding and roofing to comply with Approved Document L 2002 Edition: for guidance in achieving the above.

The U-value requirements for buildings other than dwellings using twin skin profiled sheeting are:

Roofs 0.25 W/m² K
Walls 0.35 W/m² K

In calculating the effective U-value of a roof or wall, the thermal bridge of the spacer bar/bracket system must be taken into account. In order to calculate the effect of the thermal bridge 2D and 3D thermal modelling is normally used. The U-value for a given thickness of insulation will vary depending on the purlin/rails (bar) spacing and spacer bracket centres.

The major potential for thermal bridges occurs at details. The effect of a thermal bridge is twofold:

Increase heat loss through the detail
Risk of internal surface condensation occurring at the detail during the cold weather.

The details have been analysed using a 2D finite element thermal modelling program and the results expressed with two values, linear thermal transmission value Ψ (psi value) and the minimum temperature factor f_min.

The Ψ value is a measure of the heat loss through the detail, the higher the value the greater the loss. The f_min factor indicates the risk of surface condensation, the lower the value the greater the risk.

The ratio of the heat loss through the details against the heat loss through the main areas is known as the α-value (alpha), for non domestic buildings it is recommended that this value should not exceed 10%.

In order to determine that a specific building complies with the regulations, it is necessary to calculate the total heat loss through the building fabric, including details and compare this with the limits set out in the regulations and associated documents.

The requirement for building to be reasonably airtight can be satisfied as follows:

For buildings under 1000m² -submit evidence that appropriate design details and building techniques, have been specified, and that the work has been carried out in ways that can be expected to achieve reasonable conformity with the specifications.
Alternatively for buildings of any size, carry out of air leakage tests. From 1st October 2003, reasonable provision would be test results showing air permeability not greater than 10 m³ /h/m² , with an applied pressure difference of 50 Pascals.

In order to achieve this degree of air tightness, with twin skin profiled sheeting the laps of the liner should be sealed. End laps should be sealed with 4mm bead butyl strip and side laps with 50mm wide barrier tape.

At details the liner profiles should be closed off using internal fillers and seals where appropriate to minimise air leakage.

Although not yet contained in these web pages, Uniclad Systems has developed a method of calculation for Insulation thicknesses required for individual situations varying by profile, purlin centre etc. It is hoped that in the fullness of time that the calculations can be posted on this site but should you require assistance please contact us for further information.

In addition, we have also prepared a complete set of "Robust Standard Details", shown below as thumbnails. Please click on a thumbnail to show enlarged detail.


Door Head	Door Jamb	Drip	Eaves

External Corner	Industrial Door Head	Industrial Door Jamb	Internal Corner

Parapet	Parapet Gutter	Ridge	Valley Gutter

Verge & Barge	Window Cill	Window Head	Window Jamb